Syphilis Basics

Syphilis is another STI that can be transferred through sex. But, it can also be transferred by coming into contact with syphilis sores.

Syphilis sores increase risk for HIV. 

Syphilis has three stages of symptoms: 

Stage 1: 

Common symptoms include a painless, reddish-brown sore on the penis, vagina, tongue, or mouth. 

People infected with syphilis must get treatment before the STI moves to other stages. 

Stage 2: 

Common symptoms include a non-itchy rash anywhere on the body and flu-like symptoms. 

Stage 3 has no obvious symptoms but is very serious: 

Untreated syphilis can damage bodily organs. 

Damage can lead to heart disease, mental illness, blindness, and other health problems. 

People infected with syphilis must get treatment to prevent further damage to the body. Treatment can cure syphilis but cannot repair any damage that has already occurred.